Alliance for Aging Research is raising awareness about heart valve disease during the month of February.
The month in general draw attention to heart disease, but February 22nd is designated as heart valve disease awareness.
Senior Vice President of Health Education Lindsay Clarke says the heart has four valve and this disease refers to conditions that effect their open and closing functions, which can lead to reduced blood flow.
Clarke notes there are several risk factors.
“The key risk factor is age. We also know that it can develop from wear and tear, infection, and even radiation from certain cancers. Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart failure also increase the risk for heart valve disease.”
One in ten people age 75 and older are estimated to have moderate to severe HVD. Clarke says prevention is key.
“Eating a healthy diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol may reduce risks, but the important thing is to regularly see the doctor so that if they are developing heart valve disease their doctor will detect it and get them treatment early.”
Research data shows heart valve disease affects as many as 11 million Americans.
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